Buying a used car in Uganda – Read this first (Especially if you’re in Kampala)
Jeff July 14, 2025
Thinking of buying a used car in Uganda? This is a life-saver, trust me
So, you’ve now made up your mind and want to get a ride of your own. That’s a great move. Whether you’re doing it for your very first time or have been a round it, either way, it’s a big decision ― and in Uganda, especially Kampala, it can be a risky one if you’re not careful.
Used cars here don’t come with warranties. They come with stories ― some true, many twisted. A car might look clean and well-taken care of on the outside but under the hood, you just raise you arms to the head and ask, what was I up to ― Getting this mechanical graveyard?
That’s why we put together this guide to safely walk you through the process with confidence. Below are the #6 must-check boxes before you part with your hard-earned cash when buying a used car in Uganda― plus a bonus section at the end specifically for Kampala car buyers.
#1. Check the car's mechanical condition
Forget the number plate, forget the year. All of those are just cosmetic concerns. First things first: Is the car actually in good condition?
Many Ugandans chase cars because of the registration plate ( newer = cooler) or ( newer model = better swag), and end up with something that looks nice, yes; but always by the road side with the hood open.
What I mean is; before anything else, get a trusted mechanic to check the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, and electronics. ( But not the seller’s guy!)
Even the way the car idles or smells can tell you a lot.
A few years ago, it was mandatory for every car on Ugandan roads to have the SGS roadworthiness sticker placed on the car’s windscreen. This sticker was valid for a year and only renewed with a new inspection. And guess what? It looks like it’s coming back.
That hustle was tedious of course but usually helped car buyers in deciding whether it was worth investing in a used car purchase or not. Whether ministry of works re-implements inspection or not, getting your trusted mechanic inspect the car before you pay is the smartest move you can ever make when buying a used car in Uganda.
#2. Investigate traffic and parking history
Whys? Used cars in Uganda (especially those with cities) can surprise you with parking ticket arrears. If not careful, you can buy a car only to inherit accumulated traffic fines and unpaid parking tickets.
This sounds trivial but, trust me, some cars especially commuter taxis can have over a million in unpaid traffic fines and hundreds of thousands in tickets
Here’s how to check a car’s traffic police record, use your phone:
SMS method:
- Go to messages
- Type: ESP [space] NUMBERPLATE ( e.g. ESP UBD123C)
- Send to 8888
- You’ll get a full list of pending fines plus their corresponding reasons for impoundment
To check for Multiplex (KCCA) parking fines:
- Dial *165#
- Go to Payments → Fees & Taxes → Multiplex
- Enter the number plate and follow the prompts
You’ll know right away if the car is clean or a financial time bomb
#3. Think about resell value
In Uganda, most cars depreciate fast. A car you buy today for 20M might struggle to bring back 15M if you were to resell it after a few months.
Before you commit, ask:
- Is this a popular model will want later?
- Is it known for reliability?
- Are spare parts readily available?
You’re not just buying a ride ― It’s also an asset to bail you out when in need. Treat it like one.
#4. Consider it's durability
Ugandan roads are not for the weak. Believe me, even in Kampala, you’ll be dealing with potholes, flooding, heat, boda boda scratches and aggressive taxis.
Get a car that can absorb hits and still keep moving. Some newer models look sleek but fall apart after a mere rainy season at Bata on Entebbe road.
Check:
- Suspension strength
- Ground clearance
- Exterior body quality (meta vs plastic or polyfiber)
- Interior resistance to heat and wear
Ask yourself: Will this car still look and work decently after a year of real Ugandan driving?
#5. Verify the documents
This one is big.
Make sure the logbook is in the seller’s name. If it’s not, run and don’t look back. I mean it. There are folks who have fallen in deep trouble on this.
Some have failed to reclaim their cars from local police stations after a mere traffic crack-down. Don’t sleep on this!
Don’t cave in however convincing the seller is. Once you purchase it, still you won’t be the owner by law.
Check the following:
- Logbook name matches ID of seller
- Chassis and engine number match the logbook
- URA system confirms ownership and registration ( you can check this at ura.go.ug
A typical vehicle search at URA might incur you some costs between 20,000 Ugx to 40,000 Ugx. Here’s a guide I came across that could be of help in the process.
And most importantly, don’t pay full money before the car is legally transferred to your name. If you can, do the transfer together with the seller.
#6. Understand the pricing game
Car pricing in Uganda is not fixed. It’s storytelling with reasons why you should pay the set price by the seller. In your discussions, a seller will factor in:
- Plate number (newer = more expensive)
- Car model and brand
- Interior look and mileage
- Whether it’s direct from owner or via a broker
- Popularity of the brand (e.g Toyota = higher resale value)
- Fuel consumption (low fuel cars = more expensive)
Do your math. Check platforms like ttunda.com, Facebook groups, or car bonds to get the actual feel of the market prices.
And above all, don’t rush. This knowledge is your bargaining power.
Bonus tip: If you're buying in Kampala, keep your eyes wide open
Kampala is the heart of used car sales ― and sadly, also the heart of scams if you’re naive or ignorant.
Here’s what you must watch out for:
- Shiny = Suspicious. A car that’s too clean on the outside when it’s number plate is old might be hiding something ugly underneath. Don’t fall for perfumes and polish or a new repaint.
- “My boss is abroad” = red flag. Only deal with people whose names are on the logbook. Anything else is a potential fraud
- Check for plate tampering. Some cars are “rebirthed” ― stolen, repainted, re-registered. If the number plate looks new but the interior looks tired, be careful.
- Avoid petrol station deals. Meet sellers at known offices, not a random fueling station by the roadside. If someone pressures you to decide now, take your leave.
- Always bring someone along. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Plus, your friend might notice something you miss.
Buying a used car in Uganda isn’t a gamble ― if you know what to look for. But if you rush, trust blindly, or follow hype, it can quickly turn into your worst investment. Just follow this guide:
- Check the mechanicals
- Investigate records
- Think resell
- Demand clean paperwork
- Understand the pricing dynamics
- And if you’re buying in Kampala ― come smart, slow and skeptical
You won’t regret.
Wish you the best. And if you’re ready to browse cars for comparing prices, check out the listings on ttunda.com ― It’s Uganda’s free classifieds platform where real people post real deals.
Wait! Here's a thank you note from ttunda Classifieds team
Thanks a lot for your time and for reading this article. ttunda Classifieds is a free advertising platform where you can advertise anything you want the public to know; it’s 100% free to advertise here!